Myoko Living Guide for Foreign Nationals What are the bureaucratic processes for moving in or out

Myoko City Hall

February, 2017

Myoko Living Guide for Foreign Nationals

MYOKO CITY

What are the bureaucratic processes

for moving in or out of Myoko city?

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No. Items Page

1 Procedure of Resident Registration (Change of address) 2

2 Notification based on the Family Registration Law 3

3 Seal Registration (Inkan Touroku) 3-4

4 My Number System 4

5 Taxes 5-7

6 For Those Who Acquired Real Estate for Business Purposes 7-8

7 For Those Who Own Rented Houses for Business Purposes 8

8 Motorbike and Vehicle Registration 9

9 National Health Insurance 10-11

10 Expecting, Nursing mothers and Children’s Welfare 11-12

11 Prenatal Check Up Subsidy 12

12 Long-term Care Insurance (for 65 years old and over) 12-13

13 Disaster Prevention Radio for Individual Homes 13

14 Trash Disposal 14

15 Gas, Water, Sewer and Agricultural Waste 14

16 Electricity, Telephone, Postal Service, Driver’s License, Hospitals,

etc. 15-16

17 Road Occupation and Self Construction 16

18 Rivers 16

19 Erosion and Sediment Control (Sabo) 16

20 Private Sewerage System and Septic Tanks (Jyokaso) 17

21 Taking Care of Pets 17

22 Snow Clearing 18

23 Transportation 18

24 Emergency Calls 19

25 Environmental Conservation of the Myoko Area 19-20

26 Cautions When Building Within the National Park 20

27 Skiers` Etiquette 21

28 For a Pleasant Life in Myoko 21

29 Local Neighborhood Association 22

30 Tourism Board Association 22

31 What To Do During a Natural Disaster 22-24

Myoko City Hall

5-1 Sakae-machi, Myoko city, 944-8686 Niigata, Japan ☎ 0255－72－5111

Table of Contents

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If and when there is any change in your address or registration status, you must notify the city office.

If you fail to complete the proper process, you may not be able to receive benefits such as health

insurance and other services. Registration can be completed at the main city office or other city

branches. Please bring your Visa card and your passport.

1. Moving In

Please complete registration within 14 days of moving into Myoko city.

■What To Bring

・Moving Out Notification from previous residence’s city office

・Seal (Inkan)

・Visa status card and Passport

・Notification card or My Number card

2. Moving Out

Please notify the city office when moving out. A Moving Out Notification will be published.

■What To Bring

・Seal (Inkan)

・Visa card and Passport

・My Number card, and/or Seal Registration card, and/or National Health Insurance card

※ Bring all three documents, if you have them. Otherwise, bring only those that you have.

3. Moving Within Myoko city

Please complete change of address registration within 14 days of moving.

■What To Bring

・Seal (Inkan)

・Visa status card and Passport

・Notification card or My Number card and/or National Health Insurance card

※ If you have My Number Card and National Health Insurance, bring them both.

＜For more information, please contact:＞

Myoko City Hall - Citizen’s counter （☎ 0255－74－0009）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

Myoko Kogen branch office （☎ 0255－74－0048）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

Myoko City branch office （☎ 0255－74－0051）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

1. Procedure of Resident Registration (Change of address)

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If occurrences such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces happen in Japan, foreign residents are

also required to make notifications based on the Family Registration Law. In addition, a report must

be made to the appropriate embassy or consulate. Moreover, the law requires notification within 14

days of the occurrences submitted to the nearest immigration office.

In Japan, for important procedures such as purchasing real estate and automobiles, you will need to

attach a “seal registration certificate” to prove that the seal is official and registered with the city

office.

1. Registering a new seal after moving in

○Who will register? → Subjected person

■What to bring

・Intended seal to register (Cannot register characters that are not used within the residency

registration）

・Visa status card, driver’s license, passport, or any other government authorized document

with a photo. If you don’t have any of the above documents, a guarantee card can be

accepted.（the guarantor must have seal registration within Myoko city）

・Fee: 350 yen

○Who will register? → Someone other than subjected person

Before accepting registration, a note will be sent to subjected person confirming the will of

registration. It may take an extra 2 to 3 days to register.

■What to bring when applying for registration

・Intended seal to register

・Substitute person’s seal

・Confirmation note of registration

■What to bring when registering

・Confirmation note of registration

・Intended seal to register

・Substitute person’s seal

・Identification document

・Fee: 350 yen

2. Notification based on the Family Registration Law

3. Seal Registration (Inkan Touroku)

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2. When leaving Myoko city

Your seal registration will expire from the expected day of moving out of Myoko city. Please return

your seal registration card by then.





Each resident of Japan receives a designated 12-digit number, which is used for social security, taxes,

and other services. It was created to increase the transparency of the government and to provide

convenience for the people.

Foreign nationals with Japanese residency are also given a number.

You can obtain your number by applying at the city office. The My Number Card can be used as

identification as well.

※ You will need to submit your number when filing taxes for 2017 and beyond.





4．My Number System

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1. Main Local Taxes

Those who have a fixed address or own cars or real estate, or have an income are obliged to pay

taxes. Types of taxes are as follows:

Types of Taxes Taxpayer

Individual Residence Tax

・As of January 1st, those whose address is in Myoko and have lived in

Japan for over 1 year

・As of January 1st, those whose address is in Myoko and have lived in

Japan for less than 1 year but work in a profession that usually

requires continued residence of 1 year or more

・As of January 1st, those whose address is not in Myoko but have

houses and offices

Corporate Residence Tax

・Companies with offices in Myoko

・Companies with facilities such as dormitories, lodging, club houses

and the similar but do not have offices in Myoko

・Non-corporative associations or foundations that do not have offices

or dormitories but have representatives or managers in Myoko

Property Tax ・As of January 1

st, those who own land, houses or depreciable assets

in Myoko

Light Motor Vehicle Tax

・As of April 1st, those who own motorized bicycles, “kei” super-mini

vehicles, two-wheeled small vehicles and small special motor

vehicles

National Health

Insurance ・Householders of the insured

Hot Spring Tax ・Tax charged to those who use the spa baths. Proprietors subject to the

tax acted as special tax collectors and pay the tax income to the city

For Myoko city taxes, it may be necessary to visit the tax department within the city office.

① A Tax Payment Administrator “Nozei-Kanrinin”of the Property Tax

Those obligated to pay Property Tax and Individual Residence Tax and whose address is not in

Myoko but who do not maintain domicile, residence or offices in Myoko must designate a Tax

Payment among those whose address is within the boundaries of Myoko and must submit a Tax

Payment Administrator Form to the city mayor and receive his/her consent.

② Remodeling and Demolition of Buildings

In order to impose the tax properly, please notify us when you remodel and/or demolish the

buildings you own.

5．Taxes

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③ Delayed Tax Payment

Delinquent charges will be applied when payment is delayed. A reminder letter of payment will

be sent. If you fail to make payments, actions will be taken to notify collection agencies, and

the properties will be seized and will be put up for public auction.

④ Payment by bank account transfer

We recommend to those who are obliged to pay taxes to pay through automatic bank transfers

to avoid delayed payments. You can register this procedure at your bank or the post office.

Please bring your bank book and your personal seal to either your bank, post office, or the tax

department within the city office.

2. Main Prefectural Taxes

Types of Taxes Taxpayer

Automobile Tax Those who own cars

Real Estate

Acquisition Tax

Those who acquired real estate such as land and houses for trading or

new constructions.

Individual/Corporate

Inhabitants Tax

Same as “Individual/Corporate Residence Tax”. Please refer to P.5.

Individual/Corporate

Enterprise Tax

For individuals or corporations doing business and having offices in

Niigata prefecture.

3. Main National Taxes

① Main National Taxes

Subject Applications Submission period

Those starting

sole proprietorship

of a business

Application of

opening/closing of the sole

proprietorship

Within 1 month of opening

Those filing blue tax

returns

Blue tax return proposal for

approval of income tax

By March 15th of the year in which you

are filing blue tax return for the first time.

(If you started your business after January

16th, you have to file the application

within 2 months)

Those who pay

salaries to

employees

Notification form of

establishment, transfer and

abolition of payroll office,

and so forth

Within 1 month of establishing payroll

office

※Real estate income or business income will be generated when you loan buildings you have

purchased to others.

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② Consumption Tax

As a general rule, sole proprietors will be tax-exempt service providers for their first and second

year of operation. However, you will not be exempt if the amount of taxable income is over

¥10,000,000 within the specified period of time: from January 1st to June 30

th of the previous

year. Also, you can become a taxpayer by submitting a “Business Related Consumption Tax

Request Form” even as a tax-exempt service provider.

③ Range of Taxation

You are obligated to pay income tax if:

（1）You have no Japanese citizenship but have domicile or residence of five years or more out

of the past ten years; or

（2）You have a residence period of five years or less, or a domicile period of five years or less

but one year or more: all income generated within Japan as well as income sent through

bank transfers from overseas to a local account; or

（3）You have a domicile period of one year or less: income received only within Japan

１．Immovable Property Registration

Immovable property registration is a system that ensures smooth and secure real estate

transactions by recording and making public information about land and buildings which are

important assets such as physical aspects (e.g. location, area, etc.) and rights relations (e.g.

name and address of owners, existence or non-existence of security rights/contents, etc.) in the

register which is controlled by the national institutions of Legal Affairs Bureau (Homu-kyoku:

registry office). Please register your property as soon as you have acquired it. You can also hire

a judicial scrivener or a land and house investigator to register on your behalf.

２．Tax Payment Administrator

Please see P.5 [Taxes] ① Tax Payment Administrator

３．Remodeling of Buildings

Please see P.5 [Taxes] ② Remodeling and Demolition of buildings

４．Periodic inspection under Fire Services Act

For hotels and other accommodations, it is mandated to put in place fire defense equipment.

This consists of: alarms, fire hoses, and evacuation equipment. It must have its status inspected

once every 6 months, as well as a function inspection once a year.

6．For Those Who Acquired Real Estate for Business Purposes

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Arai Fire Department （☎ 0255－72－7119）

Keinan Fire Department （☎ 0255－86－3119）

1. Submitting an application to the tax office

When you start businesses such as stores or accommodation facilities in a rented or purchased

building, you must submit the application of opening/closing of personal businesses to the tax office.

The deadline for the submission is within one month after opening.

Operations that require permission Operations that require

notification

Environment

Sanitation

Hotel business, pharmaceutical sales business,

public bathhouse, barber shop, use of hot spring,

etc.

Specific designated buildings:

building management,

swimming pool business

Food

sanitation

Restaurant, café, all types of distributors (dairy

meat, and seafood), food manufacturers (sweet

pastries, ice cream, deli, cheese), food processing

(dairy, meat), etc.

Mass meal providing facilities,

handling of puffer fish (fugu)

2. Health and Welfare Office

① Permits and notifications

② Applying for hotel business permission and other accommodation

In Japan, you must obtain permission from the prefectural government by paying a fee in accordance

with the Hotel Business Act in order to open the facility and start your business.


Takada Tax Office （☎ 025－523－4171）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:00

Joetsu Health and Welfare Office（☎ 025－524－6133）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

7. For Those Who Own Rented Houses for Business Purposes

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1. For motor bikes and small vehicles, you need to take the necessary steps concerning license

plates. Submissions can be made at any city office.

Motorbikes up to 125cc, small specialized vehicles (tractors, tiller etc.) with a Myoko plate

○ If you acquired it new

Please follow the new registration process. We will provide you a license plate.

■What to bring

Personal seal, Name of car・Type・Frame number・Document stating displacement of engine

and Personal identification

○ When moving out of the city or discarding vehicle

Please follow discarding process. When moving out of the city, please follow new city

regulations regarding vehicle registration. You can process discarding process of your vehicle

then.

■What to bring

Personal seal, registration papers and personal identification

2. Other（Nagaoka license plates and other license plates）

Below are registrations that you cannot process at the city offices. Please complete it at the

below places. You can also complete it at car dealerships.

○ Kei 3 wheel vehicles, Kei vehicles

■ For more information

Kei Vehicle Inspection Association Nagaoka office（☎ 050－3816－1851）

○ 126～250cc Motor bikes


Kei vehicle Association Nagaoka office（☎ 0258－23－3115）

○ Motor bikes over 250cc, regular cars


Niigata Transportation Office Nagaoka Inspection Office（☎ 050－5540－2041）





8．Motorbike and Vehicle Registration

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For the following instances, please complete within 14 days. Applications can be made at any city

office.

1. Moving in

■What to bring

・ Personal seal・Certificate of moving out

・ Subsidy Division Certificate（for those between 70 and 74 years old）

・ Certificate from previous work stating discontinuance of health insurance（for those moving

in due to leaving work）

2. Moving out

■What to bring

・ Personal seal and health insurance card

3. Moving within city limits

○Change of address

■What to bring

・ Personal seal and health insurance card

4. Exceptions（For those living outside of Myoko temporarily due to schooling）

If you are living outside of Myoko city for a short amount of time due to schooling or other

reasons, you are eligible to keep your national health insurance within Myoko city limits.

■What to bring

・ National health insurance card（student ID if you are a student）

※ A new insurance card will be issued once your turn in your old one

Other

The following circumstances need application as well. The deadline is within 14 days.（What to

bring）

■Applying for national health insurance

・When you exit your work’s insurance policy → seal and previous work’s insurance card

・When you have a baby → seal and Maternity health record book

・When you no longer receive welfare → seal and notification of exit from welfare

■Discontinuing national health insurance

・When you enter your work’s insurance policy → seal and previous and new insurance card

・When you receive welfare → seal, insurance card and notification of entry into welfare

system

・When deceased → seal, insurance card, death certificate and bank book

9．National Health Insurance

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■Other

・When head of household changes, or when you change your name → seal and insurance card

・When dividing households or combining them → seal and insurance card

・When you lose your insurance card → seal and personal identification


Myoko City Hall - Health insurance department（☎ 0255－74－0014）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15



Expecting mothers and children who are ill or injured can receive subsidies for medical expenses.

Applications can be completed at any city office.

1. Who is eligible?

・Expecting mothers who has an address in Myoko city, who qualify for a subsidy

・Parents of children who has an address in Myoko city

2. Period covered

・Expecting mothers: From day of registration of pregnancy until last day of one month after

giving birth

・Children: From day of birth until the March 31st after turning 18 years old

3. Partial costs

・Outpatient…For every hospital visited, 530 yen/visit for up to 4 times a month, free of charge

after the 5th visit (if the cost is less than 530 yen, that amount will be charged)

・Admission to hospital…1,200 yen/day

4. Application

Please turn in necessary paperwork to complete application.

5. Moving in/Birthing welfare recipient certificate application

■What to bring

Expecting mother or child’s insurance card, personal seal

6. Any changes to information

■What to bring

・Welfare recipient certificate、Expecting mother or child’s insurance card、Personal seal

10．Expecting, Nursing Mothers and Children’s Welfare

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8. Reissuing welfare recipient certificate

■What to bring

・Personal seal

9. When moving out of city limits

Once moving out of Myoko city limits, you welfare recipient certificate will no longer be valid.

Please return it. Please follow your new residence’s application process to issue a new welfare

recipient certificate.





The city will subsidize 14 check up visits to the hospital for prenatal care. Applications can be

completed at any city office.

1. When moving In to Myoko

■What to bring

・Personal seal、maternity health record book and check-up records from previous residence

2. When moving Out of Myoko

■What to bring

・Already subsidized check-up records





The long-term care insurance system was developed to care of the elderly as a society. Once turning

40 years old, you are required to make insurance payments.

For those over 65 years old may qualify and be approved by the city to receive care. Also, for those

between 40 to 64 years old, that qualify for specified illnesses may be approved to receive care.

For foreigners, if you have been lawfully residing in Japan for more than 3 months with an address

may be qualified to receive care.

11．Prenatal Check Up Subsidy

12．Long-term Care Insurance (for 65 years old and over)

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When moving in（Complete application within 14 day of moving in）

■What to bring

・Certificate of qualification from previous residence (if any)

When moving out

■What to bring

・Insurance certificate





Disaster prevention radio is a system put in place to notify citizens of emergencies and other useful

information from the city.

There are two types: residents in the Arai area are notified by outside speakers, and residents in the

Myoko Kogen, Myoko area are required to install radios in individual homes. If you are moving into

the Myoko Kogen and Myoko area and need to apply to install a radio, or moving out of the area and

need to return the radio, please complete all processes at any city office.

■Installing a new radio after moving in

For those who are moving into the Myoko Kogen and Myoko area and would like to install a radio,

the city will provide them for free. Please complete application.

■When moving out

Please return the radio and complete applicable paperwork.

■Other

Please notify any city office for any questions or concerns.


Myoko City Hall - Disaster prevention department（☎ 0255－74－0002）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

Myoko Kogen Disaster Prevention office （☎ 0255－74－0047）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

Myoko branch disaster prevention office （☎ 0255－74－0050）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

13．Disaster Prevention Radio for Individual Homes

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Please follow the trash calendar and dispose your trash in the proper place. This calendar can be

found at any city offices. Each region within Myoko has a different calendar.

Each region manages its own trash disposal stations. Please ask your region’s head officer about

where yours is. Also, if you live in an apartment, in some instances the apartment manages its own

trash. Please ask you property manager.

Myoko city charges a fee to dispose combustibles. You must use the city designated trash bags that

can be purchased at your local store.

★ The city will not dispose industrial trash. Please contact the Recycling department at the city

office for more information on business waste.


Myoko City Hall - Recycling department（☎ 0255－74－0031）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

Whenever you are moving in, moving out, or moving within Myoko city, please notify the gas and

water department about turning it on and off. Please notify the department at least 3 days before

moving.

■Information needed to connect

・Address

・Name

・Phone number

・Starting date *Someone must be there in person

■Information needed to stop

・Address

・Name

・Date of discontinuing *Someone must be there in person

・How to finalize payment

・New address and phone number

※ March through April is a busy time of year so please notify us in advance.


Myoko City Hall - Gas, water, sewer department（☎ 0255－72－3566）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

14．Trash Disposal

15．Gas, Water, Sewer and Agricultural Waste

- 15 -

○Information on electricity

Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

- when moving: (☎ 0120－175－266) Monday ~ Friday: 09:00 ~ 20:00, Saturday: 09:00 ~ 17:00

- when changing registration: (☎ 0120－175－466) Mon. ~ Fri.: 09:00 ~ 20:00, Sat.: 09:00 ~ 17:00

○Information on land lines

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation

☎ 116（from landline）Monday ~ Friday: 09:00 ~ 17:00

☎ 0120－116－000（from mobile）Monday ~ Friday: 09:00 ~ 17:00

○Information on postal service

If you wish to have your mail forwarded, they post office will do so for one year from the time you

apply. Submission forms can be found at your local post office or at the city office.

Post offices within city limits（Area code: 0255）Monday ~ Friday: 09:00 ~ 17:00

Arai （☎ 72－2200） Saruhashi （☎ 75－2020）

Arai gakkocho （☎ 72－2217） Sekiyama （☎ 82－2010）

Arai kita （☎ 73－7708） Hara-dori （☎ 82－2050）

Yashiro （☎ 72－5221） Myoko Kogen （☎ 86－2070）

Torisaka （☎ 75－2330） Akakura （☎ 87－2400）

Izumi （☎ 75－2329） Suginosawa （☎ 86－6050）

※Please see the phone book for smaller post offices.

○Information on driver’s license

Please contact the traffic safety association within the Myoko police station.

Myoko Traffic Safety Association（☎ 0255－73－8700）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 11:00 & 13:00 ~ 16:00

Niigata Driver’s License Center Joetsu branch （☎ 025－536－3688）Monday ~ Friday: 10:00 ~ 11:00

& 14:00 ~ 16:00

○Hospitals

Keinan Hospital （☎ 0255－72－3161）2-4-7 Tamachi, Myoko city

Niigata Prefectural Myoko Hospital （☎ 0255－86－2003）147-1 Taguchi, Myoko city

Niigata Prefectural Central Hospital （☎ 025－522－7711）205 Shinnancho, Joetsu city

Joetsu Weekend and After hour clinic （☎ 025－522－3777）1-8-11 Shinkocho, Joetsu city

※Hospital opening hours are from Monday through Friday from 08:30 to 17:00. Joetsu Weekend

clinics` opening hours are as follows: Monday ~ Friday: 19:30 ~ 21:30, Saturday: 16:00 ~ 17:30 & 19:00 ~

20:30, Sunday & National Holidays: 09:00 ~ 11:30, 13:00 ~ 15:30, 16:00 ~ 17:30 and from 19:00 ~ 20:30

※There are other large hospitals in Jyoetsu city, as well as other privately owned hospitals and

clinics in Myoko city. Please check the phone book for details.

16．Electricity, Telephone, Postal Service, Driver’s License, Hospitals, etc.

- 16 -

○Banks

Within Myoko city, there are a number of banks with branch offices such as Daishi Bank, Hokuetsu

Bank, Hachijyuni Bank, Niigata Worker’s Credit Union, Yucho Bank,

JA Banks, Arai Credit Union.

Please check the phone book for contact details of each bank. Banks opening hours are from Monday

through Friday from 08:30 to 15:00.

New construction and remodeling construction affecting waterways, roads and entrances into

buildings are required to obtain permission of the road and waterway administrator. Please be sure to

contact in advance.

You must notify the road administrator immediately if you damage road signs and facilities such as

guard rails.


Myoko City Hall - Construction department（☎ 0255－74-0023）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

If you wish to place anything in a river conservation zone within 18m of the river, or if you wish to

hold an event by the river it is required to obtain a license or permit of the river administrator.


Myoko City Hall - Construction department（☎ 0255－74-0023）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

If you wish to install a work piece in the erosion control area (sabo designated area), landslide-prone

area, and danger zone of slope failure, you must receive permission from the governor of Niigata

Prefecture.

You must have building certification when installing buildings in sediment disaster special alert

areas. Also, if you wish to develop building lots in the same area, you must receive permission from

the governor of Niigata Prefecture.


Myoko Sabo office（☎ 0255－72－4141）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:00

19．Erosion and Sediment Control (Sabo)

18．Rivers

17．Road Occupation and Self Construction

- 17 -

There are some areas in Myoko city that do not have sewage pipes installed. In such cases, a septic

tank is installed. If you purchase an existing facility or construct a building outside of sewage pipe

boundaries, you must maintain and operate your septic tank correctly so that it functions properly

and follow regular inspections. Please make sure with your real estate agent or building contractor if

a septic tank has been installed. You are obliged to commit a professional contractor to conduct

inspections. Septic tank installers must maintain to operate it properly and are obliged to submit

regular inspections.

Also, those who have septic tanks in the sewage pipe boundaries, please connect to the sewage pipes

as soon as possible.

★ MAINTENANCE OF SEPTIC TANKS ARE IMPORTANT! ★

Please request a registered contractor for maintenance and inspection

Please receive regular inspections conducted by designated inspection agency.

Please sign a contract with a professional contractor.


Myoko City hall - Gas, water, sewer department（☎ 0255－74-0062）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

Please remember that there are people living in the neighborhood that may not like animals. You

have to pay attention to such people around you when you have a pet. Dogs in particular, you must

register your dog and it must receive an annual rabies shot. Submitting a notification is required in

the case of any changes made to your dog’s registration. Please control your pet(s) so as not to cause

trouble or annoy your neighbors, or becoming stay dogs and cats.


Myoko City hall - Environmental office（☎ 0255－74-0031）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

21．Taking Care of Pets

20．Private Sewerage System and Septic Tanks (Jyokaso)

- 18 -

For smooth snow clearing during the winter, please cooperate with clearing the snow off the road.


Myoko City Hall - Snow clearing office（☎ 0255－74-0024）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

1. Trains

The Echigo Tokimeki Railway runs from Myoko Kogen station towards Jyoetsu Myoko, and the

Shinano Railway runs towards Nagano. When riding the train, please purchase a ticket from the

ticket machine or the counter.

2. Buses

City buses and community buses run regularly. Please hop on and off at the bus stops. Please pay

when you are getting off the bus, into the box next to the driver. For some buses you may be asked

to receive a numbered ticket when you get on the bus.

3. Taxi

When you get on a taxi, let the driver know your destination. Please pay the fare shown on the taxi

meter.

1. On street parking is

PROHIBITED

On street parking interferes with snowplowing.

2. Disposing snow onto the

sidewalk and road is

PROHIBITED

It may become the cause of an accident between pedestrians

and cars.

3. Signs for snow

falling from roof

Snow on top of roofs that have the potential to fall is very

dangerous. Please put signs up to draw attention of

pedestrians and cars.

4. Cutting down tree

branches that interfere

with snow clearing

There may be instances where cutting down an overgrown

tree branch is necessary so that it doesn’t interfere with snow

clearing

5. Removing snow poles is

PROHIBITED

Please DO NOT pull out the red and white poles on the side

of the street.

6. Removing snow out of

your property

Please do not remove snow on your property onto other

people’s property without permission.

23．Transportation

22．Snow Clearing

- 19 -

In Japan, emergency calls for ambulance and fire is 119, and for the police is 110. Please remember

to tell the operator in the beginning whether it’s fire or ambulance. When you call 119 or 110, please

speak loudly and clearly as follows:

Emergencies Call How to respond

Fire (Kaji) 119 “There is a fire. (Person’s name)’s house is on fire!” In Japanese:

Kaji desu! (Person’s name) taku ga kaji desu.

Serious injury

and sudden

illness (O-kega,

Kyu-byo)

119

“Emergency. A man suddenly collapsed” or “A man is seriously

injured.” In Japanese: “Kyu-kyu desu. Dansei ga kyuni taore

mashita” or “Dansei ga okega wo shite imasu.”

Crimes (Theft) 110 “A burglar broke into my house”

In Japanese: “Tasukete kudasai! Dorobo ga hairi mashita.”

Traffic

accidents 110

“An accidents just occurred.”

In Japanese: “Jiko desu.”

Mt. Myoko, Mt. Hiuchi, and the other countless mountains in this area are all part of Myoko

Togakushi Mountain Range National Park. This means that the area is within an environmental

conservation protection program where many rare species and the people live together through

preserving the nature. It is up to us citizens to keep up the beautiful scenery by following the below

guidelines.

1. Protecting nature

① Please do not pick or take flowers and/or insects. Please observe them in their natural

environment.

② Please take all leftover food and trash home with you. When the rats and crows that do not

exist naturally in the mountain go up to seek food that people threw away, the ecosystem will

be destroyed.

③ Wild ptarmigans, which are designated by the Japanese government as a nationally protected

species, live near the summit of Mt. Hiuchi. If you are lucky enough to see one, please do not

try to touch it or harass it any way.

④ Please follow the trail. Do not walk out of designated trails.

⑤ For smokers – please carry a portable ash tray and DO NOT litter cigarette buds.

⑥ Pets are allowed within certain areas. If you are out with your pet, always keep it on its leash.

25．Environmental Conservation of the Myoko Area

24．Emergency Calls

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Also, do not forget to pick up your pets litter.

⑦ Please do not enter the mountain with your companion animals. There is a danger that your

pets’ fur and waste will introduce new viruses and bacteria into the environment.

⑧ Please do not ride bicycles on the side walks.

⑨ Please do not idle your vehicles in the parking lot.

⑩ Please camp in designated areas.

2. For your safety!

① Carry a guide book and a map when hiking in the mountains, and plan out the day with extra

time.

② Hike at your ability and experience levels.

③ Weather changes rapidly in the mountains. Be prepared for the cold or rain.

④ Carrying a radio is a good idea to not get lost by paying attention to the weather forecast.

⑤ Do not go closer if you see a bear or other large wild animals.

⑥ Fill in the mountain registry before entering the mountain. It can be a valuable information in

case of an emergency.


Myoko City Hall - Environmental department（☎ 0255－74-0033）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

You may be charged a penalty or even imprisonment if you construct new buildings or renovate an

existing building within the Myoko Togakushi Mountain Range National Park without proper

permission.

You will also need permission when cutting down trees, cultivating land, putting up signs or

advertisement, changing the color of roofs or walls, etc.


Myoko City Hall - Environmental department（☎ 0255－74-0033）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

26．Cautions When Building Within the National Park

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There are 8 different ski resorts in the Myoko area that skiers and snowboarders can enjoy. We ask

you to follow the below guidelines to ensure a safe and fun holiday:

1. Backcountry skiing is your responsibility. If in the case of search and rescue have been called,

you will be charged the cost for any reason whatsoever. Causing an avalanche is very

dangerous not only for you but for those around you.

2. Stopping on the slopes interrupts other skiers and snowboarders. Please do not stand still in a

place where other people can’t see you from the top of the slope.

3. Before you take off to ski or snowboard and merge onto another slope, please remember to look

up towards to mountain. If there are any skiers/snowboarders in view, please wait for them to

pass before you start.

4. When you find any injured skiers/snowboarders or witness an accident, please notify a ski

resort staff nearby. Depending on the situation, ask someone nearest to help give him/her first

aid.

5. Follow the instructions and warnings on signs.

6. Accessing runs and areas that are closed is prohibited.

7. Skiing/snowboarding on the road is NOT ALLOWED.

Myoko is one of the world’s best mountaineering tourist destinations featuring a quiet environment

and splendid scenery. In recent years, many tourists not only from Japan but also from Asia and

other parts of the world have been visiting Myoko. However, on the other hand, minor conflicts have

occurred between local residents and the tourist due to cultural differences.

We would like everyone – tourists visiting Myoko and residents living in Myoko – to keep in mind

the below statements to have an enjoyable time in Myoko.

1. Residents of Myoko dispose trash according to the rules, which is put in place so as to not

inhibit the landscape and the natural environment of the city. Acts such as throwing away

empty cans onto the sidewalk and disposing waste on your own property is strictly prohibited.

2. Many tourists visit Myoko to enjoy the quiet environment. During the night, specifically after

10pm, acts such as fireworks and shouting outside causes great nuisance for people living in the

neighborhood.

3. Recently, incidents and accidents relating to drinking alcohol have been increasing. Under the

laws of Japan, you may be punished if you are stealing belonging of others, or entering into

someone else’s house without permission.

4. Follow traffic laws. Skiing/snowboarding on the road is prohibited.

28．For a Pleasant Life in Myoko

27．Skiers` Etiquette

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Gyosei-ku is an association which is organized by the residents who live in a certain area. It is an

indispensable gathering of the community for anti-crime and disaster prevention. Activities are held

occasionally to bring the community together.

It is not mandatory to become a member of the association, though it is recommended to since it

increases awareness of the community in which you belong by connecting with your neighbors.

There is an annual fee if you wish to become a part of the association.

The Myoko Tourism Board helps businesses that belong to the association promote by using

websites, newsletters, and pamphlets. They also refer guests to hotels and other accommodations that

are a part of the association if they receive an inquiry. Please contact your area’s tourism board for

more information.


Akakura Tourism Board ☎ 0255－87－2165

Ikenotaira Onsen Tourism Board ☎ 0255－86－2871

Shin Akakura Tourism Board ☎ 0255－87－2570

Suginosawa Tourism Board ☎ 0255－86－6000

Myoko Tourism Association ☎ 0255－82－3136（Hotel Hanabun）

Madarao Tourism Board ☎ 0269－64－3222

Myoko Onsen Tourism Board ☎ 0255－86－2014 (Takahashi Ryokan）

※Please note that Tourism Board offices opening hours differ and are irregular.

If and when natural disasters occur, it is essential to gather correct information in order to make

better decisions.

In Myoko city, citizens are alerted by disaster radios, e-mails, and city websites in the event of a

natural disaster such as earthquakes or flooding.

When there is a possibility that casualties may occur, the city will announce an evacuation warning.

If you receive notice of immediate evacuation, stay calm and follow instructions.

30．Tourism Board Association

29．Local Neighborhood Association

31．What To Do During a Natural Disaster

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Evacuation Prep Order・Evacuation order for Senior Citizens

Situation

When possibility of casualties increase. The city will set up an Emergency

Operations Center at this time.

▼Flood and Wind Disasters

・When flooding is expected in areas near rivers, and the weather forecast is calling

for more rainfall

・In areas where landslides are a potential threat, when the heavy rain warning or

landslide caution warning is issued.

Action

“Please prepare for evacuation”

For senior citizens or people with disabilities that may need more time when

evacuating, please begin preparing for evacuation start making your way to the

assigned shelter.

※ For everyone other than those mentioned above, please begin contacting family

members of the situation and prepare emergency kits to take with you.

・Pay close attention to the news on the radio and the TV

・Packing small is essential when evacuating

・Transfer valuable household items to higher ground

・For those assisting others with evacuation, please start now.

Evacuation Advisory

Situation

When possibility of casualties become higher. The city will set up and

Emergency Operations Center at this time.


・When the level of water in rivers exceed warning levels, and the weather forecast

is calling for more rainfall

・When the landslide disaster warning information is issued

・When advance warning signs for landslides are seen in areas with steeper slopes

Action

“Please start evacuating”

If you are able to evacuate on your own, please start making your way to the

assigned shelter.

・Turn off the circuit breaker, gas, lock the door, and carry your emergency kits

with you.

・Walk to your assigned shelter, and help your neighbors along the way

・Evacuating by car is not recommended. It may create traffic jams, and stop

emergency vehicles from being able to pass. Also, during a flood, you may not

be able to get out your car.

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Emergency Evacuation Order

Situation

When there is an imminent threat to possible casualties due to precursory

phenomenons, or when there already are casualties.


・When the level of water in rivers exceed flood levels, and the weather forecast is

calling for more rainfall

・When the landslide disaster warning information, as well as the torrential

downpour warning information is issued

・When landslides occur, or when a landslide is about the occur

Action

“Immediately start evacuating”

It is a very dangerous situation. Please evacuate immediately.

・If you were preparing for evacuation, start evacuating now.

・If you are unable to evacuate to the shelter, protect yourself the best you can.

・If you need to wait for help to arrive, do so in a strong building, and stay on the

highest level of the building.


Myoko City Hall - Crisis Management Office（☎ 0255－74－0002）Monday ~ Friday: 08:30 ~ 17:15

Documents

Myoko Living Guide for Foreign Nationals What are the bureaucratic processes for moving in or out